They really can't afford the rebar.. When I was in China - I saw a building being demolished (by hand.. they do EVERYTHING by hand in China) - they pulled and saved all the rebar from that building to use in another one...it is precious to them. We take so much for granted here.

I also saw them rebuilding houses, using the same type of adobe bricks, on top of the bricks that didn't fall down in the last quake.. When it's time to build, I guess they take their chances.. figuring it probably won't happen to them again... and it's just too expensive.. sad...

Canie